Thrive & Survive_Helping you develop & navigate
Independence1
Student ‘Thrive and Survive’ Guide Starting university is an
exciting experience, but it can also bring its own unique
challenges. It’s natural to feel nervous or overwhelmed during the
first few weeks at university, and it can be a while before you
feel like you’ve found your feet.
At times you may need some ideas, information or advice to consider
the most helpful ways of approaching any challenges you may
encounter. It is expected and normal that challenges arise when
transitioning from one part of life to another, but everyone is
individual and will experience situations differently and
consequently respond to individual information/advice/support
differently.
We created this resource to help you and your peers address some
important things. Sometimes knowing what to expect and getting some
tips on what to do can go a long way to helping a person find their
own way. The Thrive and Survive Guide was designed to help you do
just that!
The Thrive and Survive Guide is here to provide a single source
that you can reach for when you need that information or could use
some tips.
You might not need to know what is on every page of this book and
that’s okay. But we hope that you’ll keep it handy, as there is
likely something in here that will be helpful to you, or to a
friend, at some point over the next few years. For an easy access,
you can print the guide or save it among your documents.
The following steps will help you prepare for the changes and
challenges that may occur when moving on to College or University.
They are based on the 5 Ways to Wellbeing.
The five ways TO wellbeing These evidence-based strategies are the
result of an initiative created by a government think tank to help
everyone to keep their mental health at its best.
There are 5 simple things we can do on a regular basis to keep us
happier and emotionally healthy1:
Connect: Find virtual ways to spend time with family, friends and
colleagues.
Be Active: Plan daily exercise outside or using online videos or
other indoor exercise options.
Take Notice: Practise being mindful of your own body and the
environment around you.
Learn: If you have extra time, use this to try something new or
focus learning on your role (e.g. new technology, ways of teaching)
or wellbeing.
Give: This could include practical support as well as offering
encouragement, time and expressions of gratitude to others.
See
https://www.justtalkherts.org/media/documents/resilience-at-home-guide.pdf
for a checklist resource to help you incorporate five ways related
activities into your days.
https://www.mindkit.org.uk/5-ways-to-wellbeing/1
Thrive & Survive Guide
Action plan As you go through this document, we suggest you
complete an action plan for the first few weeks of your university
life. You can find the action plan at the end of this
document.
On each page you will see this symbol:
By clicking on it, you can directly navigate back to your own
interactive action plan.
Alternatively, you can print your action plan.
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How prepared am I? Before you continue reading this resource, this
is a good time to think about what you already know. Have a look at
the checklist below and mark the areas where you already feel
confident. Then, add up your marks from each section to understand
where you might need more support.
Self-assessment
I know how to register with a GP.
I know how to make and change appointments, attend appointments on
my own (all or some of the time).
I understand confidentiality.
I know how to order repeat prescriptions (if needed).
I understand the importance of exercise and sleep on my mental
health and wellbeing.
I understand the importance of a healthy balanced diet.
I know how to prepare a healthy balanced meal.
If I have a condition, I can describe the effects it has on
me.
If I have a condition, I understand the treatment’s purpose and
effects.
Total
5
Self-assessment
Connect
I know who is in my support network and how to contact them.
I need to identify who can be in my support network.
I understand how my friendship groups can affect my mental health
and wellbeing, either good or bad.
I understand how to stay safe online.
If I have a condition, I know who the main people are if I need to
discuss treatment.
Total
Wellbeing and Resilience
I know what works for me to improve my mood and wellbeing.
I understand how my self-esteem/self-confidence affects my mental
health and wellbeing.
I am familiar with apps that can help me improve my mood and
wellbeing.
I am familiar with self-help tools.
Total
I know that sometimes I will experience setbacks.
I know what the areas are where I must make particular
effort.
I know how to make a study plan.
I know how long I need to complete an assignment.
I am using a calendar.
I am using a student planner.
I regularly use to-do lists.
I know how to cope with exam stress.
I know how I can reward myself after reaching my goals.
Total
FIND HELP
I know who to go to if I feel in crisis or need immediate
support.
I am familiar with my university’s wellbeing support
services.
I know how to contact my university’s wellbeing support
services.
I know how to get a referral for NHS wellbeing services.
I know what organisations to contact if I have specific issues, for
instance, online gambling.
I know where my local A & E department is.
I am familiar with the numbers 111 and 999 for emergencies.
Total
Area with the highest score Area I want to find out more
about
(lowest score)
10
Register with a GP Register with your GP so that you can access
support as soon as you need it: this can be for anything from
managing an existing medical condition, getting quick treatment for
an illness or accessing wellbeing support services.
You can find your nearest GP using this handy tool provided by
NHS:
Urgent support If you need medical advice you can book an emergency
GP appointment with your GP surgery.
If you need urgent medical advice call the NHS 111
If you need immediate medical help or attention call 999 or visit
Accident & Emergency (A&E).
Plan healthy meals Plan meals that provide a healthy diet
Learn some meals before you go or try out recipes from a simple
student cookbook. Planning beforehand will save you money and time
and prevent you going for quick fast food options. Eating healthily
can make an enormous difference to your energy levels and how well
you feel able to concentrate and focus on your studies.
For information on a balanced diet:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat- well/the-eatwell-guide/
Recommended healthy recipe links:
BBC goodfood recipes for students: The website offers recipes for
easy, cheap and filling dishes for university students with little
cooking experience:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/ recipes/collection/student
The Independent Fresher’s Week: Their Fresher’s Week collection
offers 23 easy and cheap recipes
https://www.independent.co.uk/ student/student-life/accommodation/
freshers-week-2015-23-cheap- and-easy-meals-and-recipes-that-
cost-less-than-a-pint-to-make-for- new-10449860.html
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Get enough sleep Enjoy the social life that University provides but
try to keep some routine around sleep.
Sleep is crucial for physical and mental wellbeing as well as for
being ready to learn. Set reminders for yourself on your phone.
Sometimes having the discipline to go to sleep at a certain time is
hard, but the phone reminders might help.
Limit your alcohol intake Alcohol affects memory, the speed in
which you can understand information (processing speed), sleep and
health – as well as the bank balance!
Additionally, there is evidence that regular drinking can have
short-term as well as long-term effects on your mental health,
potentially putting your education at risk. Research has found
strong links between alcohol misuse and self-harm, including
suicide. The effects of alcohol depend on the amount you
consume.
The less you drink, the lower the risks!
Before you go out, try deciding a limit on what you will drink and
plan days during the week where you don’t drink alcohol. Limit the
amount of money you take with you to help reduce the number of
drinks you can buy.
HELPFUL links: How to get to sleep:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-
and-tiredness/how-to-get-to-sleep/
essentials-in-sleep/healthy-sleep- habits
Department of Health recommends that both men and women should not
regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. Alcohol
consumption guidelines and strategies can be found here:
https://www.drinkaware. co.uk/alcohol-facts/alcoholic-drinks-
units/latest-uk-alcohol-unit-guidance/
What to do if you think you or a friend might have alcohol
poisoning? Some signs of alcohol poisoning include confusion,
vomiting, seizures (fits), slow breathing, pale or bluish skin,
cold and clammy skin and unconsciousness.
If you think that you or a friend might have alcohol poisoning,
dial 999. Don’t try to make the person vomit because they could
choke on it.
If a person loses consciousness, don’t leave them to “sleep it
off”. Levels of alcohol in the blood can continue rising for 30 to
40 minutes after the last drink, and symptoms can worsen.
Stay fit Find a way of keeping fit that works for you: running,
walking or cycling are cheap options with many health and wellbeing
benefits; joining a sports team is a good way to make connections
with others; gym activities, especially those that involve weight
lifting have been shown to improve mood.
Your university’s website should have information about sports
clubs and sports opportunities.
Additionally, you can join a park run for regular exercise. To find
a park run in your area, visit www.parkrun.org.uk
HELPFUL links: Further tips to keep active with on- line exercise
classes can be found on the following websites:
General information on exercise classes:
https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/ nhs-fitness-studio/
Aerobic exercises:
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Stay fit The information below tells you the guidance for physical
activity:
Thrive and Survive Guide
The information below tells you the guidance for physical
activity:
Thrive & Survive Guide
14
Sex, sexuality and gender Brook Advisory Service offer a
confidential, free helpline to under 25 years relating to pregnancy
and contraception (Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm, closed 2pm - 3:30pm on
Thursdays). 0808 802 1234 www.brook.org.uk
Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline confidential, free helpline
for anyone affected by domestic abuse, Mon - Fri 9am - 9pm,
Weekends 9am - 4pm. 08 088 088 088
Mermaids provide support to young people who feel at odds with
their birth gender, through their helpline (Mon - Fri, 9am - 9pm)
and website. 0344 334 0550
@
[email protected] www.mermaidsuk.org.uk
Terrance Higgins Trust offer support to individuals living with HIV
in Herts. 0808 802 1221
@
[email protected] www.tht.org.uk
YC Hertfordshire have LGBT+ support groups across the county. 0300
123 4043
@
[email protected] www.youthconnexions-
hertfordshire.org
Young Pride in Herts run youth groups for LGBT+ 13 – 25 years.
07800 654518 http://www.youngprideinherts.org/ Twitter:
@HertsYoungPride
Young Stonewall provide information and support for young LGBT+
individuals across the UK.
www.youngstonewall.org.uk
GP Information
NHS Number:
Family:
Friends:
Things that have worked for me in the past:
Things I would like to try: (list apps, coping strategies or
wellbeing services)
Keeping healthy plan
My exercise goals:
My sleep goals:
My healthy eating goals:
Helpful things to tell myself:
Emergency contact numbers:
Thrive & Survive Guide
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Stay in touch Being connected with others is a key ingredient for
happiness as well as an important coping resource.
Keep the contact details of friends and family who are supportive
or good to be with. Plan some regular contact with them. It is
important to keep in touch with old friends, even if you are not
currently living in the same area.
Build new friendships It can be difficult at first to make new
friends. Try to establish at least one connection in the new place
e.g. joining a student society (stick to individual interests that
you already enjoy where you can meet like- minded people), talking
to people on your course, volunteering.
Get involved Any acts of kindness can make you feel happier and
more satisfied about life:
• Do something nice for a friend • Volunteer your time • Join a
community group
Visit www.vinspired.com for examples of other young people doing
good things.
Make positive connections online Some apps and forums can be a
great way to make new connections e.g. https://www.elefriends.org.
uk/
However, make sure you stay safe, there could be people online who
are not who they say they are.
When online follow these top tips2
• Do not give out the following personal details online: Your
address, personal details (e.g. date of birth/bank details), your
favourite meeting places.
• If you have had online contact and would like to meet in person,
talk over the telephone before you decide to do so. This will help
you get to know them better.
• If you make arrangements to meet someone you have got to know
online, choose a public place and a time when there are other
people around and let someone else know where you will be.
2 Adapted from Open University online guidelines
Thrive & Survive Guide
Wellbeing and resilience
Be mindful As well as keeping healthy and connected, there are
several things you can do as an individual to feel good and
function well. Take time to be still. Become aware of your
surroundings – catch sight of the beautiful; remark on the unusual;
notice the change in seasons.
Some apps you could use are Headspace and Calm.
Reflect on your experiences Know what works for you to improve your
mood and wellbeing.
Information and advice can be found on www.justtalkherts.org
Information on strategies found helpful by other young people can
also be found here:
https://www.annafreud.org/on-my- mind/self-care/
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Learn about coping strategies Know what works for you to improve
your mood and wellbeing
Information on the research based five ways to wellbeing and
strategies for promoting your mental health can be found on
www.justtalkherts.org. Check page 4 of this document for the five
ways of wellbeing.
The Anna Freud Centre provides information on strategies found
helpful by other young people can be found here
https://www.annafreud.org/on-my- mind/self-care/
Which of the strategies would you usually use to cope with
situations? Can you challenge yourself to use alternative
strategies?
Make sure the coping methods you choose are helpful to you in the
long term. Some coping methods may give short term benefits (e.g.
drug/alcohol use) but have negative short- and long-term effects
for example on sleep, reasoning, relationships and mental
health.
Understanding how you react to events or what helps you most is
helpful for making sense of emotions and finding tools to manage
these.
Useful supports include:
CBT worksheets: https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/ category/mental-health/
https://www.talktofrank.com/ Young Minds:
www.youngminds.org They have many useful links and high-quality
leaflets for young people around areas such as anxiety and
depression. Art and mindful colouring as well as listening to or
playing music are ways that some people use to relax and reduce
feelings of anxiety.
Thrive & Survive Guide
Know when to ask for help There can be times when things feel too
much or seem impossible to overcome. It can help to be aware of
this often being a short term thought or feeling and to know what
there is to support you.
There are key messages that you could use to remind yourself how to
cope:
• It will not always feel or be like this.
• I know that I can do things to make me feel better (e.g. sleep,
food, speak to others).
• There are people who can help me cope with this situation or how
I am feeling (see ‘Find help’ section below).
If you find you often feel like this, you can access help from
University or NHS wellbeing services (more information on support
can be found on page 29).
People can support you to create a plan to keep safe. In the action
plan there is an area for you to write positive things and personal
experiences that you want to remember or reflect on later.
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Counselling Signpost offer counselling, coaching and other support
to help young people aged 10-25 and living in South and West
Hertfordshire overcome problems in their lives. 01923 239 495;
https://www.facebook.com/
SignpostCounselling/
Kooth provides free, anonymous online counselling for 10 - 25 year
olds. You can IM counsellors Mon - Fri, midday - 10pm, and Sat -
Sun, 6pm - 10pm.
www.kooth.com
Childline offer free, confidential counselling to under 19’s though
their helpline and webchat. 0800 1111; www.childline.org.uk
Relate offer counselling to young people, and specialise in
relationship troubles (family, friends or romantic). 0300 100 1234;
www.relate.org.uk
Rephael House offer free, confidential counselling for 13 - 19 year
olds based in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield. 020 8440 9144;
@
[email protected] www.rephaelhouse.org.uk
Tilehouse Counselling offer free, confidential counselling to 13 -
19 year olds in Hitchin. 01462 440 674;
@
[email protected] www.tilehouse.org
Youth Talk provide free, confidential counselling for 13 - 25 year
olds who live, work, or study in St Albans. 01727 868684;
www.youthtalk.org.uk
YCT offer free, confidential counselling to young people in West
Essex and across Hertfordshire. 01279 414090;
@
[email protected] www.yctsupport.com
Safe Space offer counselling, art therapies, mentoring and brief
therapy for 5 - 19 year olds with schools and SPA. 01992 588 796
(Mon - Fri, 9am -
5pm) @ safespacemailbox@hertfordshire.
Keep learning
Organisation Break tasks up into small chunks; organise your day
based on what you want to get done, rather than how much time to
spend on the tasks.
Take breaks!
Check these tips for time management Research shows that time
management for students in higher education: can have an impact on
your mental
https://www.topuniversities.com/ health.
blog/7-time-management-tips-students
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/
stress-anxiety-depression/time-manage- ment-tips/
Study tips The website of Student Minds (www.studentminds.org.uk)
provides many useful study tips.
Some of these include:
• Ask yourself questions about what you are reading! It is a great
way to reflect on your learning
• Quiz yourself! Or you can ask a friend to do so. If you work in a
study group, incorporate regular group quizzes into the study
time.
• Pace yourself! Cramming does not promote long- term learning. You
need sufficient time to relax between learning sessions.
• Use highlighters! This will help you recognise key points. If you
use different coloured highlighers, you have a great visual aid to
group information.
• Take breaks! You need to stretch and walk around regularly
• Join study groups! The more the merrier. You can support each
other with difficult tasks.
• Stay away from your phone! Or any distraction
• Make sure you get enough sleep! Studying is much less effective
when you are tired.
• Do not drink too much coffee! Too much caffeine can increase
feelings of restlessness and anxiety. Limit your coffee
intake.
• Do not procastinate! It might lead to stress further down the
line.
• Exercise and use other strategies to manage stress! Regular
sports activities have a positive impact on your mental as well as
physical health.
Thrive & Survive Guide
25
Resilience Many students experience some challenges when they first
start university or college. In the course of your studies you may
have to face some setbacks. It is important that you learn how to
cope with these academic challenges and to move on without the risk
of dropping out.
There are some lessons to learn from academic setbacks. You need to
ask yourself what you could have done differently and think about
how to apply that knowledge in different situations in the future.
Learn from your failures.
At the same time it is important to have a good support network.
Your friends can help you cope with stress.
Check the "Wellbeing and resilience” section of this document for
tips on how to develop skills and strategies to cope with
stress.
Student Minds can provide further tips for recovering from acadmic
setbacks:
www.studentminds.org.uk
Things I need to remember Things tO do Date complete
Get a student planner
Get different colour highlighters
Check where to find available spaces for quiet study on my
university’s website Write a daily schedule that will include time
to relax and to exercise
Write a weekly study plan
Check out study and time management tips on my university’s website
Check out stress management strategies listed in the links in the
‘Wellbeing and resilience’ section
Thrive & Survive Guide
University/college wellbeing services All Universities should
provide wellbeing and emotional support that is accessible to all
students.
This support can include group skill sessions, information from
books leaflets, online forums and websites, mental health support
and psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural
therapy.
Make yourself familiar with your wellbeing offer during your first
weeks at your new setting. Information can be found via university
intranet pages or attending welcome/induction fayres.
NHS wellbeing services NHS wellbeing services: can provide access
to therapeutic support such as counselling or online CBT
programmes.
Some of these services are self-referral e.g. Herts wellbeing
https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/services/ community-services/wellbeing-
service/
http://talkwellbeing.co.uk/)
Online counselling for children and young people aged 10-25 with
BACP accredited counselors funded by the NHS/Local Authority:
www.kooth.org
Bame Students For suppport options for mental health organisations
specific to BAME students, including information of factor which
can affect BAME students
BAME students mental health visit support | Mind
www.mind.org.uk
Quick contact in a crisis The following charities provide immediate
support if you are going through a tough time or in a crisis:
Samaritans The Samaritans offer a listening service for anyone
going through a tough time.
116 123 @
[email protected] or visit
https://www.samaritans.org/how-
we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Gambling can also be a issue for some young people
https://www.begambleaware.org/ and https://www.gamcare.org.uk/ can
help with this.
Suicidal thoughts In a life-threatening situation 999
Samaritans free confidential support 24/7 116 123
Childline: free 24hr counselling service 0800 1111
SHOUT: free 24/7 texting service with trained crisis volunteers for
those who feel at danger to themselves or anyone else
Text: 85258 www.giveusashout.org/
The Stay Alive app is a suicide prevention resource. It has tools
to help keep people safe in times of crisis
https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/ information-and-resources/spot-the-
signs/stay-alive-app/
HPFT Single Point of Access (SPA) take referrals for NHS mental
health services. 0300 777 0707 (8am - 7pm)
Nightlight Crisis Service if you are 18+ years you can seek support
Fri - Mon, 7pm—2am.
01923 256 391
The Calm Zone runs a free and confidential helpline and webchat 7
hours a day, 7 days a week, Mon-Sun 5pm to midnight. 0800 58 58 58
or use webchat on https://www.thecalmzone.net/
Papyrus offers support if you have suicidal thoughts 9am – 10pm
weekdays, 2pm – 10pm weekends, 2pm – 10pm bank holidays. 0800 068
4141, Text 07860039967 or
@
[email protected] https://papyrus-uk.org/hopelineuk/
Contact your GP to make an urgent appointment to discuss your
mental health needs
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Immediate help to keep yourself safe If you need immediate help and
are worried about keeping yourself safe visit your local A&E
department
Call NHS 111 and ask for some support. NHS 111 can advise you about
where to get help such as a walk-in center or an out of hours
doctor. They may also have information about ‘safe spaces’ you can
access in your local area when you are struggling to stay safe from
suicide
999 can support you in an emergency too. The operator can talk to
you about different types of immediate support the emergency
services can offer
If you are having a mental health crisis, please call: 0300 777
0707
This line is currently open 24/7
Childline: If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, email or
chat online about any problem big or small Freephone 24h helpline:
0800 1111
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger provides free, 24/7 crisis support
across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If
you need urgent help Text YM to 85258
Help for specific issues The following Hertfordshire resourc- es
provide information on services that are available for different
issues:
Young People Signposting Guide:
https://www.healthyyoungmindsin-
herts.org.uk/publications/2020/apr/ sig
nposting-guide-young-people
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/
microsites/local-offer/preparing-for-
adulthood/further-education.aspx
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ADDICTION Spectrum Families & Young People’s Service support
for all ages struggling to manage their use or drugs and/ or
alcohol. 0800 652 3169 (option 1 for families
and young people); @
[email protected]
www.changegrowlive.org (live web chat available)
FRANK offer a 24 hour confidential helpline for young people with
questions or concerns about alcohol or drugs, or you can chat
online with advisors daily from 2pm - 6pm. 0300 123 6600;
www.talktofrank.com
Future Living Hertford offers the ’Kick it’ project for young
people struggling with addiction, bullying, abuse and/or neglect
01992 537 344;
@
[email protected]
www.futurelivinghertford.co.uk
Gamblers Anonymous provides support for gamblers and their friends
and/or family.
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Health for Teens offer advice for 11 - 19 years on topics from
emotional wellbeing, addiction and healthy relationships.
www.healthforteens.co.uk
NHS Stop Smoking Service if you would like advice and support in
stopping smoking you can visit the website to find your closest
service.
www.nhs.uk/smokefree
Thrive & Survive Guide
Eating disorders BEAT (Beating Eating Disorders) offer advice and
guidance on eating disorders, with a youth helpline. 0808 801 071
www.b-eat.co.uk
CAMHS Community Eating Disorder Team to self-refer 0300 777 0707
(8am - 7pm)
Self-harm Self-Harm UK offer support to individuals (14-19yrs)
dealing with and recovering from self- harm, including online group
sessions
www.selfharm.co.uk Self-Injury Support provide TESS, a support and
information text service for females under 24 years who are
struggling with self-harm. 0808 800 8088 Text 0780 047 2908
www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk
LifeSIGNS self-injury guidance and support network
www.lifesigns.org.uk
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Must Register with your GP
Create a budget
Should
Join a student society or arrange to meet up with other
students
Arrange dates to speak to/meet with people from home
Find out what wellbeing services are available at University.
Search the university website and look for either ‘student support’
or ‘support and wellbeing’
Find out about local support available
Check the information on www.justtalkherts.org
Write down key contact details in the event of a crisis
Plan some meals
Thrive & Survive Guide
33
Looking after your mental health and wellbeing during Coronavirus
In addition to the resources listed in this document, a range of
services have been set up to support young people through the
current situation. All universities are expected to sup- port any
students struggling with their mental health and wellbeing,
including students self-isolating or waiting for their face-toface
teaching to restart. They have a responsibility towards you and
will be there to support you. It’s always important to take care of
your mental as well as physical health and seek support if needed.
You can access support listed in this document. The resource also
has a range of tips and advice on improving your wellbeing.
Websites Just Talk is a multi-agency campaign, steered by young
people and coordinated by the Public Health team at Hertfordshire
County Council. The website has collected a number of helpful
resources and put them on a dedicated ‘looking after your mental
health during coronavirus’ page. These are added to frequently, so
keep checking back. THIS WILL BE THE MAIN WEBSITE FOR LOCAL
UPDATES.
https://www.justtalkherts.org/ news/looking-after-your-mental-
health-during-coronavirus.aspx
Health for Teens cover subjects that promote a healthy body and
mind. All of the content has been produced by school nurses, a
whole range of other health and wellbeing experts, and most
importantly young people. Ages 11-19
https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/ hertfordshire/
Online workshops and training Herts Mind Network are delivering a
number of workshops online over the next few months. There are some
for families which young people and / or their families can watch
online. You can view the calendar and booking information for
Eventbrite here:
https://www.hertsmindnetwork. org/spot-the-signs-and-emotional-
wellbeing There are sessions on ‘The Five Ways to Wellbeing’ and
‘An Introduction to Mental Health’.
The OLLIE Foundation are also delivering workshops online. You can
view the schedule at the top of this page:
https://theolliefoundation.org/ training/dates/#hbb Courses
suitable for teenagers are ‘Keeping safe and carrying on for Teens’
and ‘Goalsetting for Teens’.
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Apps/National Websites There are several apps to support mental
health and wellbeing. You are responsible for ensuring apps are
appropriate for your age and needs.
Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and
young people’s mental health. On this web page you will find lots
of information about how to look after your mental health at this
time
https://youngminds.org.uk/ find-help/looking-after-yourself/
coronavirus-and-mental-health/
Information, advice and guidance Herts Mind Network also have a
young people’s online group for those over 15. You can find out
more here:
https://www.hertsmindnetwork. org/young-peoples-online-group
Kooth is an online counselling service for anyone aged 10-25 in
Hertfordshire. You can access a chat / messenger service,
discussion boards, goal setting tools and a journal and a magazine
containing several articles and some specifically about coronavirus
and the impact on children and young people. The website is
moderated by trained professionals. You need to register but it is
anonymous.
https://www.kooth.com/
YC Hertfordshire Services for Young People provides youth work,
information, advice, guidance, work related learning and support
for young people. Although face-to-face work is currently
suspended, you can still contact a Youth Worker or Personal Adviser
for one to one and project groupwork support by calling 0300 123
7538, emailing
@
[email protected] or visit
https://www.ychertfordshire.org/
35
Further support If you are experiencing mental health difficulties
that are significantly interfering with your ability to do the
things you normally do, please contact (or ask your parents to)
Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust Single Point of Access
0300 777 0707. This line is currently open 24/7 and can direct your
enquiry to a number of specialist services depending on your
needs.
The Wellbeing Service offers short term support to people that are
16 or over with mild to moderate mental health issues such as
depression and anxiety. You can visit https://www.
northessexiapt.nhs.uk/hertfordshire for more information about the
service and to self-refer.
Financial support If you find yourself facing financial
difficulties related to COVID-19, you should contact your
university or higher education provider. Many universities have
student hardship funds and offer non- repayable grants to help
students in financial difficulty. You may be eligible to apply for
one of these grants. The UK government has recently announced
further support for students financially impacted by the pandemic.
The funding will be distributed by the Office for Students directly
to universities, which are best placed to assess student hardship
locally. You can find further information on this grant
https://www.gov.uk/government/ news/government-announces-
50-million-to-support-students- impacted-by-covid-19
YCT (East and North Herts) http://www.yctsupport.com/
01279 414 090
020 8440 9144
01727 868684
01923 239495
Kooth is an online counselling service for anyone aged 10-25 in
Hertfordshire. You can access a chat / messenger service,
discussion boards, goal setting tools and a journal and a magazine
containing a number of articles and some specifically about
coronavirus and the impact on children and young people. The
website is moderated by trained professionals. You need to register
but it is anonymous.
36
Already working with a service? If you are currently receiving
support from a service or have been recently discharged, you can
contact the service if you are struggling with your mental health.
Most have a duty line which you can find out by looking on a letter
they have sent you.
Need help now?
If you are having a mental health crisis, please call: 0300 777
0707. This line is currently open 24/7.
If you need physical health treatment in an emergency go to your
nearest Accident and Emergency department or call 999.
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger provides free, 24/7 crisis support
across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If
you need urgent help Text YM to 85258.
Thrive & Survive Guide
HCC Public Health
HCC Educational Psychology Service
Strategic Leads for Mental Health In Schools East & North Herts
Clinical Commissioning Group & Herts Valley Clinical
Commissioning Group
HCC Education Support for Medical Absence (ESMA)
Public Health Nurses 5-19 Team
Chancellors School 6th Form
HCC Virtual School
Suicide Prevention Children and Young People Task and Finish
Group.
And a special thank you to West Herts College GAP Project Students
2020 who created our design and logo for this resource.
A
Contents
Action plan
Looking after your mental health and wellbeing during Corona
virus
Acknowledgements
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